Excellent explanation Joe, thanks again.

So that's why Apple was seamless.

Now I have an ATT/ Arris modem/ Router and they don't make an extender. ok. I could try putting an Apple Extreme/ Express in the mix, but being it would have to originate with the ATT modem, my guess is it would not work fabulously.

Hence, I bear through this imperfect situation, as it does work, though it's a nuisance.